Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Jahmyr Gibbs

Friday, October 3, 1:18 PM

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has labeled running back Chuba Hubbard (calf), who was officially ruled out for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, as "day-to-day" for next week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Canales said the team will take a look at Hubbard again next week, as far as his availability goes for Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. Hubbard was battling his calf injury in the Week 4 loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday, which is why he played a season-low 51 percent of the offensive snaps in that one. With Hubbard officially sidelined this weekend in a winnable matchup against the Dolphins, Rico Dowdle will be a plug-and-play RB2 for fantasy managers in need at the position. Additionally, rookie Trevor Etienne will see a role increase as the change-of-pace option behind Dowdle, although he won't be a recommended flex play.

Monday, October 6, 1:20 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 54 yards on 12 carries during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also caught two passes for 33 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown reception. If not for finding the end zone, Gibbs would have had a relatively modest final line of 14 touches and 87 yards, so fantasy managers will appreciate that he was able to cross the goal line. It was interesting to see David Montgomery reclaim the lead-back role with his 18 carries, but that could have been a product of the game script. It also may have been part of the Lions' effort to honor the narrative of Montgomery returning to his birthplace of Cincinnati once the score got out of hand. Whatever the reason, managers should have no concerns about Gibbs going forward. He remains one of the league's most talented and versatile running backs, and it doesn't hurt that he plays for a high-powered offense within a 4-1 team. The 23-year-old remains a mid-range RB1 option in fantasy football for Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs.